In a recent appearance on the renowned talk show "David Letterman," Anthony Bourdain, the executive chef of New York's Brasserie lesal and bestselling author of "Kitchen Confidential," revealed some fascinating insights about his life in the restaurant industry.
During the interview, Bourdain shared anecdotes about his experience running a restaurant called Sullivan's, which was located next door to the theater where the talk show was being filmed. The restaurant was themed around Ed Sullivan and aimed to cash in on the Ed Sullivan Mania at the time. However, the concept didn't quite work out, and the restaurant eventually closed its doors after about two years.
Letterman and Bourdain delved into the chef's early culinary experiences, including a memorable moment in France when Bourdain tried his first oyster. Despite his initial hesitations, Bourdain fell in love with the taste and realized that food had the power to create lasting impressions.
The conversation also touched on Bourdain's time working at a resort restaurant in Cape Cod, where he got a glimpse of the restaurant industry's wild side. The chefs dressed like pirates, carried impressive knives, and had a notorious reputation for their socializing habits.
Another intriguing topic that came up during the interview was the presence of rats in restaurants, particularly in New York City. Bourdain revealed that while his restaurant was rat-free, he had worked at a Mexican place in the past where the rodents were known to venture into the ceiling and occasionally drop unwanted debris onto the kitchen floor.
Letterman questioned whether it was possible to maintain a sanitary kitchen while still dealing with the occasional rodent issue. Bourdain humorously suggested that if a cook saved the rodents for stock, then it could be considered a viable culinary solution.
Beyond discussing the restaurant industry, the conversation also touched on the experiences of chefs and cooks who have had their share of disastrous nights in the kitchen. Bourdain admitted that all chefs have experienced at least one terrible night, but they strive to avoid such situations as much as possible.
The interview concluded with a discussion about the world of cooking shows and celebrity chefs. Letterman asked Bourdain about his thoughts on popular chefs like Emeril Lagasse and shows like the Food Network's "Iron Chef." While Bourdain recognized the appeal of these personalities and shows to audiences, he personally found some aspects of them to be excruciating.
In summary, Anthony Bourdain's appearance on "David Letterman" provided an entertaining and insightful conversation about his experiences in the restaurant industry. From failed restaurant ventures to memorable culinary moments, Bourdain's stories shed light on the realities and unique challenges of the world of food.
